One of the vehicles most closely associated with our state and its rugged terrain is the Subaru Outback.

The Outback wagon has been the staple of Subaru’s unqualified success in Colorado over the past 20 years.

Subaru’s outstanding symmetrical all-wheel-drive system with active torque vectoring kept me going through recent deep snow and icy surfaces with the 2015 Outback 3.6R Limited model. The Subaru’s 8.7-inch ground clearance is much appreciated.

The 3.6R’s outdated 5-speed automatic transmission of the past has been replaced by an improved continuously variable transmission to go with the wagon’s boxer 6-cylinder engine.

As for wagons, when it comes to handling, I prefer the Audi allroad; for fuel mileage, none of the other wagons can match the mpg of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagen TDI diesel, and, perhaps the nicest of leather and comfortable interiors is that of the Volvo V60.

Still, for all-around, everyday service, dependability and durability, the Outback can compete with any of them. It’s been a winner of long standing.

I remember the first Outback, introduced in 1995 as a variant of the Legacy wagon.

Wagons were going nowhere at that time. The Outback, though, with its boxer engines and sturdy all-wheel-drive structure and heavy side cladding, endured among a rush of SUVs and more modern crossovers, and found favor with lots of outdoors persons.

The first one I drove back in ’95, with a sticker price of $24,500, weighed 3,250 pounds on a wheelbase of 103.5 inches. Its 150-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine produced surprising low-end torque.

The Outback has grown in 20 years – its wheelbase by 5 inches and curb weight by 550 pounds.

The ’15 model has some exterior redesign, including a more rakish windshield in which the base has been moved forward 2 inches, and it is a bit longer, taller and wider than last year’s version. Noticeable atop the wagon is a sturdy luggage rack.

I’ve not been a fan of CVT transmissions in 3,800-pound vehicles; however, this one in the 3.6R is a much stronger higher-torque unit than those I’ve tested in the past for Subaru. Under certain acceleration levels, the driver even feels simulated “gear steps” like a conventional 6-speed automatic, and it is quickened with manual-mode and paddle-shift control switches. All this while attaining the better fuel economy of a CVT on regular-grade gasoline. The review model averaged 23.9 miles per gallon; its EPA estimate is 20/27.

The flat-6 boxer engine develops 256 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque, with adequate performance. Standard engine in the Outback wagon is a 175-hp, 2.5-liter boxer-4-cylinder with CVT, which is EPA rated at 25/33 mpg.

Acceleration is increased with the bigger 3.6R powerplant, complemented with responsive steering and the torque vectoring, which applies brake pressure to a front wheel for improved cornering ability. The Outback Limited rides on Bridgestone Dueler 225/60R18 tires.

Highlighting the interior, in addition to perforated-leather heated seats, is a 7-inch touch-screen display with voice-activated controls, navigation, harman/kardon audio system with 12 speakers, backup camera, SiriusXM, text messaging, Bluetooth and dual USB ports.

The navigation, moonroof, keyless access and push-button start pushed sticker price to $36,040.

The Outback 3.6R Limited is equipped with eight airbags, including new front seat-cushion bags to keep occupants in place during frontal collisions. Blind-spot detection, lane-change assist and rear-cross-traffic alert are other safety enhancements.

The rear seating area boasts lots of legroom and headroom, with added comfort from rear heat/air vents. Seatbacks recline for passengers in the back row. Cargo-carrying capability behind the second row of seats, 35.5 cubic feet, is a favorite feature for many buyers of the Outback.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited:

• Capacity 5-passenger wagon
• Wheelbase 108.1 inches
• Length 189.6 inches
• Width 72.4 inches
• Height 66.1 inches
• Curb Weight 3,810 pounds
• Track 61.8 inches front, 62.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 8.7 inches
• Turn Circle 36.1 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.6-liter boxer 6-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 256/247
• Transmission Continuously variable
• Steering electric power
• Suspension MacPherson strut front, double-wishbone rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 20/27
• Fuel mileage average 23.9
• Fuel Tank 18.5 gallons, regular unleaded
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Bridgestone Dueler 225/60R18 tires
• Cargo Volume 35.5 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Volvo V60, Volkswagen Sportswagen, Audi allroad, BMW 3 series

Assembly Plant Lafayette, Ind.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 50%, Japan 40%

Base Price of Lowest Model $24,895; Base Price of Review Model $32,995; Destination Charge $850; Sticker Price $36,040.